Joseph Edwards

Joseph Lewis Edwards Jr. Esq. Passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024. Born on July 26, 1954 in New York to his late parents, Joseph L. Edwards, Sr. and Emma Frances Theresa Baker Edwards, Joe later moved to Raleigh, NC.

Joe attended North Carolina A&T State University to study music, also playing the French horn in the A&T Marching Band, now known as the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. After attending North Carolina A&T, Joe followed in the proud footsteps of his father and enlisted in the United States Navy.

Joe graduated Cum Laude with his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Suffolk University Law School in 1993, where he served on the Law Review and was Vice President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). Joe's legal career spanned over 30 years, with a focus on employment and discrimination law. Joe was an accomplished attorney, legal advocate, trainer, teacher, writer and litigator, receiving numerous accolades over the years, including being recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, being named a "Stand-out Lawyer" by Thomson Reuters (2024), a "Go To Employment Attorney" by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (2021), among many others. For the past 23 years, Joe worked at Prince Lobel Tye LLP, one of the premier law firms in Boston, eventually rising to Partner. His diligence, determination, and progressive achievement elicit a sense of collective pride.

Known affectionately by his family as "Joey", Joe is survived by his wife of 25 years, Saundra R. Edwards, Esq. along with his five children, Cole Edwards, Blake Edwards, Michael Edwards, Angela Edwards and Malaika Edwards. His legacy also extends to six grandchildren, six siblings and their spouses, Paul D. Edwards, Lorraine M. Mortis (Robert), David G. Edwards (Maribel), George E. Edwards, Beverly F. Edwards (Larry) and Theresa Edwards; and a host of nieces and nephews. Joe is also loved and remembered by countless friends, relatives and colleagues.

Visiting Hours will be held at Andover Baptist Church, at 7 Central Street, in Andover, MA, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. A Memorial Service will follow from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life and repast will be held immediately, following at the Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury Street, Andover. Joe will be Buried alongside his parents at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC. Joe is loved and will be deeply missed by many.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the skilled doctors and medical staff of Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

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